Autumn at Kingdom in Penshurst

– So have you discovered Kingdom yet?

If you’re local to Penshurst or Tunbridge Wells then the chances are that you’ve heard about it, even if you haven’t been there yet.

Set amongst 13 acres of woodlands high up overlooking Penshurst, Kingdom looks like an ancient treehouse. It has become a unique destination for walkers, cyclists, runners and friends/family alike to meet, relax and enjoy some fresh air and nature in a beautiful outdoor setting.

It seems to have become more and more popular and being in Penshurst, we find ourselves popping up there all the time. A couple of weeks ago I decided to take my camera with me to capture it looking at its best with all the autumn colours. Hopefully the photos give you an insight into all that Kingdom has to offer.

Cafe/restaurant and wedding/events venue

Kingdom is home to a café/restaurant which is usually open 7 days a week and is a great place to meet for morning coffee or lunch/brunch.  The whole ‘treehouse’ can also be hired out as a unique venue for weddings, parties and other special events. I photographed a 50th birthday there earlier this year. You can see some of the images in another blog post here.

Health and fitness

Kingdom also has all your exercise and wellness needs taken care of. It houses a yoga studio (run by Verity of Verity Megan Yoga), has a purpose built outdoor exercise area (you can find out more about classes with MZ9 Fitness here) and is even the setting for a weekly Park Run on a Saturday morning!

There is a track through the surrounding woodlands that makes a lovely walk but is also used as a running track (do as many laps as you like!).

The Hidden Hut

There is even a shop hidden underneath the ‘treehouse’ selling beautiful homewares and gifts, known as the The Hidden Hut (usually open Fridays-Sundays).

Personally, I like to head up there for brunch on a Sunday or a mid-week coffee with friends. We might have a walk afterwards and the children can play in the ancient ‘Seven Sisters’ chestnut tree or enjoy the swings in the woodland.

Kingdom during lockdown

We are currently mid-way through the second lockdown of 2020. With our options for places to go and things to do being so limited, it’s wonderful to have somewhere like Kingdom just on the doorstep.

Adapting to the lockdown measures, they are currently doing take away hot drinks and ‘click and collect’ meals. They’ve also opened up a food market selling fresh local groceries and other artisan products in place of the restaurant which has temporarily had to close.

So whether you’re after a walk, somewhere to exercise or simply a ‘socially distanced’ meet up with a friend, then you should definitely give Kingdom a visit.

And if you’re reading this past 2020, here’s hoping this pandemic is behind us and we can all enjoy the full benefits that Kingdom has to offer. I can’t wait for that!


Find out more

Find out more about Kingdom on their website here.

Find out more about family shoots with Little Olives Photography here